Whether you love it or hate it, there's something undeniably fascinating about unconventional and outrageous style. Here, we're looking back at the most daring, polarizing fashion through the years, from Katharine Hepburn's menswear in the 1940s to the punk rock movement of the late 1970s through to the naked dress trend that's been taking over red carpets in recent years.
1940: Menswear
Menswear for women? A novel concept, pioneered by the elegant Katharine Hepburn.
1941: Fascinator Hats
And not just any fascinator hats, but little baby bowler ones.
1942: High Slits
#FreeTheThigh, says Rita Hayworth.
1943: Wartime Garb
Women joined in the wartime efforts during WWII dressed in uniform, just as the men were.
1944: Drawn-On Stockings
WWII shortages meant women had to paint on their stocking seams in place of wearing actual nylons.
1945: Shoulder Pads
The broad shoulders and small waists associated with '80s fashion were on-trend in the '40s first. Just ask Hedy Lamarr.
1946: Bikinis
It doesn't get bolder than an itsy-bitsy bikini, which first entered the summer style scene in 1946.
1947: Dior's New Look
The silhouette introduced by Christian Dior in 1947 would go on to dominate the 1950s.
1948: Off-the-Shoulder
A precursor for the strapless styles of the '50s that followed.
1949: Dramatic Silhouettes
On the cusp of the decade, this dramatic gown is a sort of hybrid of the 1940s column gowns and the full skirts of the1950s.
1950: Bobby Socks and Saddle Shoes
That "let's meet at the soda fountain after school" look.
1951: Poodle Skirts
Poodle not included.
1952: Bolero Jackets
Tiny and entirely impractical, but then again, who wants to ruin a nice dress with a bulky coat?
1953: Fur Muffs
Clearly before the days of texting.
1954: Swim Caps
Not exactly conducive to mermaid hair, but amazing for preserving your fresh-from-the-salon style.
1955: Bullet Bra
Careful with those things, Marilyn.
1956: Wiggle Dresses
Perfect for hugging every curve of Brigitte Bardot's bombshell bod. Not great for walking anywhere quickly.
1957: Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Me-ow.
1958: Matching Head-to-Toe
Matching your hat to your dress to your shoes was the thing to do.
1959: Bubble Hems
Pretending to be more forgiving than the wiggle dress, but still equally hard to walk in.
Sarah Lindig is the senior digital editor, overseeing special projects for Harper's Bazaar.
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